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Conservative Judaism/Bowls
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Question
Hi
I am trying to find out the name of the bowls you use for maybe Passover They are keep in a box one big silver bowl and 4 little bowls and a silver spoon. I was told you dip your fingers in the bowl to wash them. Can you tell me what they are use for and why.
Thank you
Dear Sydney,
Thanks for writing. I suspect that from your description you have seen a ritual known as "n'tilate yadaim" which is performed both before and after eating a meal.
It is a reminder of how the priests in the Temple washed before and especially after handling the sacrificial foods.
Some people have seen a practical reason in that salt was used, and if one didn't wash their finger-tips/hands then one could inadvertently put a finger to one's eye and cause an injury.
It's nice to know that you are very perceptive and that you have observant Jewish friends. And yes, some only do this for Passover at the Seder.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I want to thank Rabbi Lerner as he of course is very knowledgeable but also sensitive to the beliefs of others. He also offered other references to further learn of his religion. | ||
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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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